Full-service vehicle transportation company MetroGistics has introduced a free app known as RoadSign that is designed to let customers and drivers experience seamless transactions in real time.
As vehicle transportation and technology grow alongside each other, the industry has honed in on the transition to electronic proof of delivery as well as other real-time updates throughout the transport process.
“RoadSign is the solution that will allow drivers to fill out condition reports, collect signatures and process documents electronically, eliminating the need for inefficient paperwork,” said managing partner William Billiter. “RoadSign improves speed to market and increases efficiency for all users.”
Among the features to RoadSign are the following, as listed by MetroGistics:
- The latest up-to-date technology
- Increased efficiency of the pickup and delivery process
- 24/7 real-time status updates and tracking on vehicles
- No more faxing or printing delays
- Immediate insurance claim documentation with instant upload of vehicle images
- Elimination of paper, meeting industry standards and “Be Green” initiative
The company emphasized that RoadSign meets all ePOD requirements that OEMs have mandated. It can now be utilized on iOS and Android devices.
“For those in the auto remarketing industry who use us to ship their vehicles, this free app will help provide peace of mind,” said managing partner Scott Naz. “We know that it’s critical to receive your shipments on time to replenish inventory or prepare for large sales promotions. With RoadSign, you’ll know where your shipments are, when they arrive and who signed for them.”
This follows MetroGistics announcing strategic partnerships with Precision Motor Transport Group and McNutt Automotive Logistics.
The company said in its announcement that the combined entities will provide a full range of logistics and asset-based transportation solutions to the full spectrum of customer segments.
That includes automakers, the used-car market, new- and used-car dealerships, remarketing companies, auctions and the personal automotive markets on an “asset-medium” platform.
Editor's Note: This story will be featured in the Dec. 1 edition of Auto Remarketing, along with other news items from the transport world, as part of our special section on Inside Logistics/Transportation Trends.
Dealers selling aged inventory as well as those picking up used cars at independent auctions now have a new transportation option for these vehicles, thanks to Whann Technology Group's new partnership.
The company has selected online transport marketplace uShip to power its Whann Logistics platform.
The WTG-uShip partnership will work to help dealers get vehicles to and from auction or between private sellers by offering another independent transport option — "free from any dependence or reliance on incumbant providers," WTG management pointed out.
The initial rollout will be in the U.S. and the United Kingdom, the company said.
The deal adds to WTG’s agnostic transport options for three key areas: at independent auctions, on WTG Simulcast, and on the newly launched WTG Global.
“uShip is the ideal platform partner since we share similar DNA when it comes to the marketplace approach,” said Greg Lubrani, chief operating officer of Whann Technology Group. “Independent auctions have been asking for this for a long time, and through our uShip partnership, they now have a state-of-the-art, seamless and, most importantly, an agnostic transportation solution they can provide to customers.”
uShip launched back in 2004, and today, a vehicle is listed for transport every two minutes on its marketplace, the companies shared.
Its transporter network includes almost 3,000 feedback-rated, compliant vehicle transporters.
And uShip’s platform includes a native mobile app as well as proprietary pricing, tracking, payments and feedback systems.
“With car buying moving online and turning less local, dealers have had a strong surge in shipping demand,” said Dean Xeros, general manager and vice president of uShip Motors. “When it comes to creating efficiencies, uShip and WTG are very like-minded in how we approach the marketplace model, which ultimately empowers independent dealers to compete on a level playing field.”
An improving economy and falling gas prices may be pushing interest for more expensive and perhaps less fuel-efficient models, making certain large sport utility vehicles and sporty cars hard for dealers to find.
According to AutoTrader.com’s latest installment of vehicle scarcity data provided to Auto Remarketing, popularity of these types of models in the used market “mirrors what is happening in the new market.”
And this popularity is cutting into used supply for models such as the certified pre-owned Toyota Land Cruiser, which moved up by seven spots on the national CPO scarcity report in September.
The model jumped from No. 8 to No. 1 nationally from August to this past September, taking the spot of hardest-to-find CPO vehicle in the country.
The CPO Lexus LX, which shares its underpinnings with the Toyota Land Cruiser, moved up to No. 5 from No. 9 nationally in terms of scarcity, according to AutoTrader.
The analysis also pointed out that large SUVs, both used and new, have been gaining popularity, too, as the economy ramps up and gives households a bit more extra cash for these more expensive vehicles.
Falling gas prices are also pushing interest in less fuel-efficient models. The national average now sits at $3.12 per gallon as of Monday, which is below last year’s low point of $3.19 during the week ending Nov. 11.
"It’s quite a reversal of fortunes. In the months leading up to the great recession, car buyers turned away from large SUVs and luxury vehicles and steered clear of sports cars as their discretionary income declined. In the new market, the sports car market was the last to be revived as the economy improved,” said Michelle Krebs, senior analyst at AutoTrader.com.
“In addition, newly introduced entry-level cars from German automakers are in short supply, as younger, affluent buyers aspire to buying luxury cars but on a budget,” Krebs added.
Some of the sporty cars that made the top 10 list of scarcest late-model vehicles were the Porsche Cayman, Volkswagen Golf R, Chevrolet Corvette, BMW M3 and Jaguar XK.
According to AutoTrader surveys, young, affluent buyers aspire to these brands. These entry-level models, which are selling well on the new side, are even more accessible as used cars, causing shortages, the company’s analysts explained.
The designated market areas AutoTrader tracks showed similar trends, particularly among the sporty, sporty luxury, luxury car, and big SUV segments.
Here are a few of the models that dealers might have had trouble finding last month, according to AutoTrader.com:
- The Chevrolet Corvette was the No. 1 scarcest CPO vehicle in Chicago, moving up from No. 8. It was also No. 2 in Houston and No. 3 in Dallas-Fort Worth. This model recently went through a redesign last year, launching a new wave of popularity for the vehicle, both new and used.
- Audi has been a major up-and-comer on the luxury scene. The supply of new Audi models has not kept up with demand, and the same seems to be true of used Audi models, AutoTrader analysts said. The CPO Audi S4 and CPO S5 appeared on the scarcity lists in a majority of the DMAs.
- On that same note, the rather new entry-level models of luxury brands Mercedes-Benz (CLA), BMW (2 Series) and Audi (A3) are scarce on the used market, as well, AutoTrader pointed out.
Auto logistics services provider MetroGistics announced today that it has formed strategic partnerships with Precision Motor Transport Group and McNutt Automotive Logistics.
The company said in its announcement that the combined entities will provide a full range of logistics and asset-based transportation solutions to the full spectrum of customer segments.
That includes automakers, the used-car market, new- and used-car dealerships, remarketing companies, auctions and the personal automotive markets on an “asset-medium” platform.
Okemos, Mich.-based PMTG is an asset-heavy car haul company offering premium auto delivery services via 300 enclosed and open company-owned trucks, while Lowry City, Mo.-based McNutt is an asset-light logistics provider specializing in less-than-truckload auto logistics services.
Through these partnerships, the combined customer base of MetroGistics, PMTG and McNutt will be offered “a very high level of transportation flexibility and services,” MetroGistics said in its statement.
William Billiter and Scott Naz remain at the helm of MetroGistics as managing partners.
“Having the opportunity to work closely with the management teams at PMTG and McNutt to drive the combined asset-medium platform to greater heights is a very exciting strategic move for everyone,” said Naz. “Being able to combine the best in logistics with 300 company-owned PMTG trucks really expands our operational reach and product offerings to strategic clients on a national basis.”
PMTG chief operating officer Dallas Knepp said: “We are very excited about working with the MetroGistics team and their professional blend of technology and logistics services to reduce lead times with our customers and empty miles on our trucks. Their suite of industry-leading technology products will also further enhance our product offerings to customers and will continue to drive our combined platform forward.”
Bankrate Inc. released its list of least and most expensive states to own a vehicle this week — with results that may surprise you.
Although it has below-average repair, fuel and insurance costs, Wyoming marked the list as the most expensive state to own a vehicle. Why? Everything is so far apart — Wyoming residents drive 68 percent more than the national average, spending $1,588 per year on gas.
Compare that to the cheapest state — Iowa — and the average driver spent only $1,942 on average, per year, on repairs, fuel and insurance combined, due mostly to the cheapest average car insurance rates in the nation at $630 per year.
Bankrate gathered figures for cost of repairs, insurance and fuel based in the 50 states and Washington D.C. with data from CarMD.com, GasBuddy.com, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics and stats from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
For the entire list, visit Bankrate’s website here.
At the halfway mark for 2014, we’ve seen some interesting developments in the vehicle transport industry. Here’s a quick breakdown from both the haulaway (truck) and rail perspectives.
Truck Driver Safety
In industry language, a “haulaway” is a truck designed for the transportation of automobiles. As safety is of primary importance to transport providers, we regularly monitor trends and legislation affecting trucking and driver hours.
The Senate Appropriations Committee recently voted in favor of an amendment proposed by Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, to suspend the hours of service ruling for one year while the Department of Transportation conducts a deeper study of the rule’s impact on safety.
The rule was introduced by the Federal Motor Safety Administration (part of the DOT) and was designed to improve safety on the roads by reducing truck driver fatigue. The rule would have limited the average work week for truckers to 70 hours. Suspension of the rule reinstates the maximum driver work week to 82 hours. Additional rules govern consecutive driving days and appropriate rest periods.
The vote to suspend the rule needs to be passed by the full Senate and then reconciled with the bill in the House of Representatives.
Rail Transport
A very harsh winter disrupted the rail network in both the United States and Canada. As such, a short railcar supply caused a nationwide backlog across the industry of more than double the average number of vehicles awaiting transport. The delays caused many vehicles to be stored at various offsite facilities, thus adding to the total transport cost.
While OEM’s traditionally use rail for distances of more than 300 miles, the shortage of available railcars has caused them to look at other vehicle distribution options (such as short-sea shipping from Mexico to the U.S.). Many have found that trucking can be cost competitive up to a radius of 700 miles.
The railroads are projecting relief in the backlog during the traditional summer auto plant shutdowns.
Transport providers understand that rail will remain a critical component of the finished vehicle distribution network, and most will advise auto dealers accordingly depending on their needs and time frames.
Martha Garcia-Perry is Director, Account Management with MetroGistics (www.metrogistics.com).
An agreement between online shipping marketplace uShip and eBay Inc. has the potential to make it easier for dealers to reach out-of-area and out-of-state vehicle buyers quicker and with less hassle.
Announced in early March, uShip-powered delivery options will be incorporated across eBay categories that frequently contain larger-than-parcel goods over 150 pounds and buyer-arranged shipping.
Initially available in eBay Motors’ U.S. vehicles, motorcycles, powersports and boats, more categories will be added this spring, the companies shared.
Within a year, uShip will be integrated into global eBay properties, more deeply into listings and in the buyer checkout process.
Since 2007, 93,000 users have linked their eBay accounts with uShip, which has seen over 560,000 eBay items valued at $712 million listed for shipping.
To date, total shipping cost of eBay goods on uShip is nearly $75 million, about 15 percent of uShip’s all-time total shipping volume of $500 million, the company shared.
And with three out of every four vehicles bought on eBay being sold to out-of-state buyers, according to uShip, clearly, transport is a front-and-center issue.
“uShip’s agreement with eBay is a natural fit for several reasons,” said Matt Chasen, chief executive officer and founder of uShip. “First, we’ve spent the last 10 years pioneering collaborative consumption and building a global network of more than 500,000 registered carriers that can handle LTP (larger-than-parcel) specialty shipments, whether that’s vehicles, heavy equipment, household goods, traditional freight or the truly unusual.”
“Second, eBay users are very familiar with uShip’s eBay-like feedback system, which helps them choose a carrier from among those with an average score greater than 97 percent positive. And finally, price — eBay buyers have saved $20 million in shipping costs through uShip. For transporter service providers on uShip, this translates into more opportunity with extremely high-intent shipping customers,” said Chasen.
Ever since uShip launched in 2004, the company explained eBay buyers and sellers “have organically gravitated” toward using the company to ship larger-than-parcel items.
“Given this natural synergy, we’ve had frequent and ongoing discussions with the eBay team over the last 10 years. In Feb. 2011, we began appearing as one of several shipping options of eBay Motors listings,” said Dean Xeros, vice president and general manager, uShip Motors & Relocation. “However, the relationship just announced not only makes us the preferred provider in the tab in eBay Motors but goes far broader than that, including more categories, global integration, more deeply placed into listings and in the buyer checkout process.”
Ebay leadership also commented on the agreement and how it will affect the automotive space:
“As one of the largest online marketplaces for all things automotive, we aim to provide a complete lifecycle of services for vehicles from purchase to delivery,” said Bryan Murphy, head of eBay Motors. “Our work with uShip allows consumers the flexibility to evaluate transporters and select the delivery option that works best for their needs.”
What It Means for Dealers
To gain insight into how this agreement will impact dealers and their customers, Auto Remarketing chatted with uShip leadership about potential benefits for auto buyers and sellers.
“Many dealers list their vehicles on eBay Motors to market their inventory, so naturally they receive a lot of interest from out-of-area buyers who want to know shipping cost in order to gauge total purchase price,” Xeros said.
With the new agreement, potential buyers have a front-line view of shipping costs with uShip’s instantly-bookable rates.
“uShip gives auto dealers greater ability to ship anywhere their buyers are located. In other words, ‘anywhere’ is the new local,” Xeros added.
Another tool that will help buyers looking at vehicle inventory on eBay and perhaps make them more likely to purchase is the shipping tabs that are now available through the uShip partnership.
“Buyers can make an informed buying decision and total purchase price because immediately-bookable rates from feedback-rated carriers are available within the shipping tab on the eBay listing itself. They don’t need to search for rates online or make a bunch of phone calls,” said Xeros. “With uShip, when carriers compete against each other for business, this drives affordable pricing and helps increase conversion on eBay Motors.”
The new partnership also has the potential to push transport prices down.
“Just like the eBay marketplace creates competition for various items of all shape and sizes, the uShip marketplace creates a competitive environment around shipping services. There’s one big difference, however: within eBay’s auction format, bidding drives prices up,” said Xeros. “Within uShip’s auction format, bidding drives prices down.”
The bottom line is the better dealers are able to source, the better they are able to sell, Xeros pointed out.
“Dealers are faced with the same situation when it comes to sourcing inbound inventory from auction houses, trades or other sources — and need a cost-effective transportation option," he said.
In other words, as simple, convenient, transportation solutions become more and more prevalent, “dealers will have a much more cost-effective way to manage their inbound inventory,” Xeros concluded.
In previous articles, MetroGistics managing partner William Billiter addressed considerations for choosing the right carrier and how to secure reliable and insured transport. With so many vehicle haulers in the industry, it’s very important for dealers to partner with the right transportation provider that will deliver your inventory on time and undamaged.
New-car manufacturers have specific vehicle-transport guidelines, and while these are optional when shipping pre-owned vehicles, they provide excellent indicators of the care your transport provider takes in shipping your cars.
By asking these questions, dealers should not only be able to recognize a reputable car hauler, but also protect his or her bottom line. When vetting potential vehicle transporters, dealers should always ask the following questions in order to ensure adherence to high-standard shipping guidelines.
- Do you use straps or chains? The problem with chains arises when inexperienced drivers don’t know where the designated manufacturer holes in the frame are, or they use the wrong type of hook to secure the car.
- Do you use proper strap tie downs (over-the-wheel straps only)?
- Do you use four strap tie downs on each vehicle?
- Do your drivers wear proper attire? Exposed metal on belts, wallet chains, etc., can potentially scratch vehicles.
- Do your drivers wear clean apparel (e.g., boots, pants, jackets, etc.)?
- Are your drivers prohibited from smoking inside the vehicle?
- Are they prohibited from turning on the radio in a transported vehicle? This is very important, as drivers don’t need distractions affecting the loading/unloading of the vehicle or his/her safety and that of others nearby.
- Do your drivers observe all speed limits within the loading facility?
These additional questions can help you get a better feel for if the transport provider is a good fit for you.
- Are they authorized to haul motor vehicles?
- Do they have good safety ratings?
- Do they have a good online reputation and/or Better Business Bureau rating?
- What is their reputation in the auto industry with new car manufacturers, used car dealers, rental agencies, auctions?
- Do they have courteous and professional drivers and dispatchers? Your dealership’s reputation doesn’t end with the sale of the vehicle.
- Do they provide daily status notifications on your vehicle? There’s nothing worse than not knowing where your vehicles are, especially if you’ve already announced a big sale.
As the transport purchaser, you have the right to ask these questions before booking a shipment. While not every transport provider will meet these very high standards, the reputable ones will have no problem answering these questions to your satisfaction.
Martha Garcia-Perry is director, account management with MetroGistics.
